GOSPORT 1, ALTON 3

ALTON moved ever closer to mid-table in Hampshire 2 with this important win at Gosport.

As the season enters its final weeks, Alton arrived on the coast knowing that every point would count cand that they would have to put early pressure on struggling Gosport.

The visitors immediately asked questions of the home defence and Sam Juncker was only denied the opener by a diving stick save.

The Gosport rearguard proved tough to crack, but with the bulk of possession, Alton were looking confident. However, a lapse in concentration saw Gosport snatch the lead with a quick breakaway and the next five minutes were chaotic for Alton as they tried to get a grip on the game.

They regained their composure and a spell of pressure brought them the equaliser from a short corner, Juncker deflecting the ball home after a well-placed injection from the top of the circle.

Alton now powered forward, with the midfield of Jason Smith, Richard Spicer and Harry Curtis opening up gaps for the attackers to pour through.

They took the lead after a patient build-up, Smith calmly sliding the ball into the bottom left corner, and it remained 2-1 at the break.

Alton threw men forward at the start of the second half as they chased the killer third goal. Gosport again defended well, but the pressure wore them down.

Alton would not be denied and it was Juncker who seized the ball in the circle and buried it past the oncoming keeper for his second goal.

Alton could have had a fourth as Tom Singleton broke through on goal, only to be denied by the keeper.

As the clock ran down, Gosport launched a last desperate attempt to score, but failed to find a way through Alton’s hard-working back line.